Since the NFL schedule was announced in April, this game has been sitting there staring at the Carolina Panthers, mocking them like a leprechaun with a Jack Nicholson grin.
If Ron Rivera had his druthers, the Panthers would have opened the season in Charlotte, where they could have celebrated the NFC title they won during a remarkable 2015.
Instead, they’re in Denver on Thursday night to kick off the NFL season against the Broncos, the team that defeated them 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 in February.
Rivera and the Panthers players are ready to move on.